LESSON 24 · BODY LANGUAGE

Notice Feet and Direction

Thirty-two ways to notice feet and direction, the honest parts of body language that point to where attention wants to go.

Feet point where the mind is going. Notice, then be considerate.

40 tipsEasy things to say7-day plan

40 tips that really help

These ideas come from Presence (Amy Cuddy), What Every BODY Is Saying (Joe Navarro), The Definitive Book of Body Language (Allan and Barbara Pease), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.

TIP 1

Feet point where the mind is going

Our feet often point toward what interests us or toward where we want to go. Because we pay less attention to our feet, they can be an honest clue about attention and intention.

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Glance at where someone’s feet point in your next conversation.

TIP 2

Feet toward you

Feet and torso turned toward you usually signal interest and engagement.

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Notice it.

TIP 3

Feet toward the exit

Feet pointing toward the door may signal a wish to leave. It might be time to wrap up kindly.

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Wrap up warmly.

TIP 4

Feet in a group

In a group, people’s feet often point toward those they are most interested in. Notice the pattern.

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Observe a group.

TIP 5

Open and closed circles

Groups whose feet make an open circle welcome newcomers. A closed huddle may be in a private chat.

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Look for open circles.

TIP 6

Still feet

Still feet suggest calm. Bouncing or tapping suggests nerves or impatience.

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Notice movement.

TIP 7

Crossed ankles

Crossed ankles can be comfortable or can signal holding back. Look at other signs.

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Do not over-read.

TIP 8

Planted feet

Feet firmly on the floor show stability and confidence. Planted feet help you stay calm too.

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Plant yours.

TIP 9

Feet apart

A moderate stance looks grounded. Very wide can look aggressive.

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Hip-width.

TIP 10

Feet together

Feet together can look formal or tentative. Fine for ceremonies.

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Use when appropriate.

TIP 11

Notice your own feet

Where are your feet pointing right now? Aim them at the person you are speaking to.

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Turn your feet.

TIP 12

Align your feet with your interest

Pointing your feet toward the person you are talking to shows engagement.

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Turn toward them.

TIP 13

Do not point away

Feet pointing away while you speak may signal a wish to leave. Face your listener.

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Face them.

TIP 14

Do not tap or shake

Shaking or tapping feet is distracting. Press them down.

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Settle.

TIP 15

Do not shuffle

Shuffling can look nervous. Stand still.

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Stand firm.

TIP 16

Scene: meeting someone

Turn your feet toward them as you greet. It signals welcome.

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Turn.

TIP 17

Scene: joining a group

Move your feet to form a gap and turn them toward the group. It signals inclusion.

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Make space.

TIP 18

Scene: leaving a conversation

When you want to end, turn your feet toward the exit and say a warm goodbye.

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Close kindly.

TIP 19

Scene: at a party

Notice where people’s feet point to find who is open to a chat.

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Observe.

TIP 20

Scene: in an interview

Keep your feet flat and pointed toward the interviewer. It shows readiness.

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Plant.

TIP 21

Scene: on a date

Feet pointing toward each other signal attraction and comfort.

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Notice.

TIP 22

Scene: at a meeting

People may point their feet toward the door or the leader. Notice.

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Observe.

TIP 23

Scene: at a queue

Feet help you read who is next and who is leaving.

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Watch.

TIP 24

Scene: in a lift

Face forward, plant your feet and relax.

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Settle.

TIP 25

Scene: on a train

Keep your feet out of the aisle. Be considerate.

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Be mindful.

TIP 26

Scene: on video

Feet are out of view, but how you sit affects posture. Keep them flat.

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Sit well.

TIP 27

Scene: when nervous

Press your feet into the floor to ground yourself.

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Ground.

TIP 28

Scene: when bored

Bored feet fidget. Re-engage by asking a question.

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Engage.

TIP 29

Scene: when excited

Excited feet bounce. Channel it into a smile.

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Smile.

TIP 30

Scene: when tired

Tired feet slump or shuffle. Take a break.

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Rest.

TIP 31

Scene: when cold

Cold feet shift and curl. Warm them with socks.

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Warm.

TIP 32

Check your shoes

Comfortable shoes help you stand still and calm. Choose well.

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Wear comfortable shoes.

TIP 33

Check the floor

Slippery or uneven floors can make you shift. Adjust.

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Be careful.

TIP 34

Check your balance

Even weight helps. Practise standing evenly.

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Balance.

TIP 35

Be cautious with reading

Feet are one clue among many. Combine with other signals.

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Stay open.

TIP 36

Be kind

If someone’s feet suggest they want to go, offer an easy exit. It is a courtesy.

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Offer.

TIP 37

Practise observing

Watch feet in public places and guess intentions. Check later.

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Practise.

TIP 38

Celebrate awareness

Noticing feet adds a layer of understanding. Enjoy it.

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Note it.

TIP 39

Use your feet to welcome people

When someone approaches, turn your feet and torso toward them and take a half-step in. It makes the greeting feel warm and personal without a word.

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Turn your whole body toward the next person who greets you.

TIP 40

Do not read feet in a crowd

In packed spaces, feet point where space allows, not where interest lies. Reading feet works best in open, comfortable settings where people can choose their stance.

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Use foot cues only when people have room to move.

Easy things to say

When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many everyday situations.

CHECK

“Do you need to get going?”

OPEN

“Please, join our circle.”

OFFER

“Would you like to take a seat?”

INCLUDE

“We were just talking about you.”

THANK

“Thanks for spending time with me.”

“I will let you go.”

Your first week

One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.

DAY 1
Watch the toes

DAY 2
Notice torso direction

DAY 3
Open the circle

DAY 4
Turn toward people

DAY 5
Spot the exit signal

DAY 6
Be kind about endings

DAY 7
Check yourself

More lessons in “Body Language”

Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.

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